The Barking Owl

Could a tree be a whole neighborhood?

High in the Australian bush, a barking owl named Bram thinks of his old eucalyptus tree as home. But when a bright red ribbon appears around its trunk, he realizes that home may be in danger. With the help of sugar gliders, possums, rainbow lorikeets, and a few clever ideas, Bram must find a way to help the humans see that this isn't just one tree. It’s a neighborhood. 

In this episode, kids will learn: 

• Why we call them “barking” owls 
• How silent flight helps owls sneak up on prey using specialized feathers
• How trees and tree hollows become essential homes for barking owls, sugar gliders, possums, bats, frogs, and many other Australian animals

Wild and Kind Kids is a weekly, screen-free animal podcast for curious kids and their grownups. Every episode blends an original story with real animal science, helping children build curiosity, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the natural world, one remarkable animal at a time.

Listen during bedtime, quiet afternoons, long car rides, or homeschool science lessons about birds of prey, Australian animals, forests, and habitats. 

Barking owl audio by Hank Bower from Xeno-canto, used under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (CC BY-NC-SA) license.

Keep exploring:

• Download this week's free Barking Owl coloring sheet 
• Follow @wildandkindkidspod on Instagram for crafts, nature activities, and behind-the-scenes fun
• Find more resources or request an animal at wildandkindkids.com 

Learn along with us and explore some of the resources we consulted:

• Barking Owl (Australian Museum) 
• Barking Owl (Australia Zoo) 
• “Owl” be Seeing You: Amazing Facts About Owl Eyes (The American Bird Conservancy) 
• The Silent Flight of Owls, Explained (Audubon Magazine)

Transcript

SPEAKER_00 0:00

Welcome back to Wild and Kind Kids, y'all. Should we warm up a little?

SPEAKER_02 0:07

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 0:08

Yeah. Okay. So I think we should stretch. And let's stretch our necks. Okay, I want you to look straight ahead. Now I want you to turn your head so that you can look behind you. Don't turn your body. Just turn your head. Keep turning. Keep turning a little further. Okay, you guys aren't looking behind yet. Can you go any further? No. No? Me neither. You know why? Humans just aren't built that way. But today's animal is. It can turn its head so far, it can look all the way behind itself. Who could that be? Let's get learning. I'm Carrie, and I grew up on a zoo.

SPEAKER_02 0:56

I'm Lincoln. I'm Eliza. And we're the world about animals.

SPEAKER_00 1:02

Welcome to the Wild Cide Kids Podcast. Well, hello there, Lincoln and Eliza.

SPEAKER_02 1:11

Hi, Mom. Hi, Mom.

SPEAKER_00 1:14

Do you know who today's animal is? Mom, stop giving it away.

unknown 1:20

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 1:22

Alright, you're right. So let's see if our listeners can guess it in three clues. Clue number one, this animal is a bird of prey. It has incredibly keen eyesight. And it flies without making a sound. What is it?

SPEAKER_02 1:39

Owl.

SPEAKER_00 1:40

Yes. And today we're flying all the way to Australia to meet one of the country's most surprising owls, the barking owl. Unlike many owls that live deep in thick forests, barking owls prefer open woodlands, forests, and places near rivers and farms where there are plenty of old trees with hollows to nest in. Now, if you saw one in the wild, one of the first things you might notice is its striking yellow eyes. They are super wide and super yellow with dark black pupils, almost like two little moons. Those eyes are actually fixed in their heads, which is a little different from ours. So right now, you could look all the way to the right without moving your head. Go ahead, try it. Keep your head still, move your eyes to the right. You can do it because your eyes can move around in their sockets. Owls can't do that. Their eyes stay pointed straight ahead. So if they want to look around, they have to turn their heads. And a barking owl can turn its head really far. They can rotate up to 270 degrees, which basically means they can turn their head to look straight behind themselves. They can do what we couldn't do at the start of this episode. Now, barking owls have rounded heads without those little feather tufts that some owls have. They have soft brown feathers that are covered with white spots and streaks that help them disappear against the bark of trees. But it's not their looks that made people give them such a funny name. Lincoln and Eliza, can you tell us?

SPEAKER_03 3:33

They don't hoot or howl. They bark like a dog.

SPEAKER_04 3:36

Yes!

SPEAKER_00 3:37

In fact, should we just listen, guys? What did that sound like to you?

SPEAKER_02 3:47

A dog, definitely.

SPEAKER_00 3:49

Yeah, so most owls hoot, but barking owls make this woof-woof call that really does sound like a small dog, especially if you hear it from far away. They also have another call that some people have even mistaken for someone screaming in the woods. And that's why they've picked up all sorts of nicknames over the years. The winking owl, the screaming woman bird. I mean, imagine hearing something that sounds like a human screaming while you are camping. Okay, what else, y'all?

SPEAKER_03 4:22

Their voices are loud, but their wings are silent.

SPEAKER_00 4:25

Yes. So let's break this down. First, barking owls have very large wings. They're a medium-sized owl. They stand about a foot to a foot and a half, or like a school ruler to one and a half school rulers. But their wings stretch almost four feet, like a doorway from tip to tip. That's what scientists call their wingspan. Now those big wings help the owl glide smoothly through the air and make it so they don't have to flap constantly. But here's the amazing part. The feathers along the front edge of the wings have these tiny comb-like bristles that help smooth the air as it flows over the wing. And the feathers on the back have these soft, fuzzy fringes that break up the air even more. The result? Flight that is almost completely silent. That means a mouse or a frog won't hear a barking owl coming until it is too late.

SPEAKER_03 5:32

They are built like hunting machines.

SPEAKER_00 5:35

Yes. One of our clues at the start was that owls are birds of prey. Birds of prey are carnivorous. Okay, that's a really big word. What does it mean, y'all?

SPEAKER_03 5:47

Meat eaters.

SPEAKER_00 5:49

Yeah, they hunt other animals for food. And barking owls are not picky eaters. They'll hunt frogs, birds, insects, reptiles, even mammals as big as a brush-tail possum. And to do that, they have to hunt. And their bodies are built for it. While many owls hunt all throughout the night, barking owls are especially active at dawn and dusk when lots of their favorite food is moving around. Their huge eyes are designed to gather lots of light, helping them see in the dim light of dawn, dusk, and nighttime. And their ears? Get this. One ear sits slightly higher than the other. That means that sounds reach each ear at slightly different times, which helps the owl figure out exactly where a sound is coming from, even in the dark. And they have these sharp, super curved talons, that's what we call their claws, that help them grab prey. And their hooked beak is designed to tear food. From their eyes to their ears to their talons, every part of a barking owl is built to help it hunt. Alright, y'all, let's hear another fact.

SPEAKER_03 7:06

They vomit up clues of what they're eating. Isn't it gross?

SPEAKER_00 7:11

Indeed. And I actually don't think this is gross. I think this is one of the coolest science investigations ever. Owls eat all kinds of food. And many of those animals have bones, fur, feathers, or even tiny teeth. When an owl eats, its body can break down all the soft parts, but not those hard parts. So a special part of the owl's body called the gizzard squishes them all together into a little pellet. And later, the owl spits that pellet back up. But here's what I love. If you could ever find an owl pellet, scientists and even curious kids like you often will take these apart to discover exactly what the owl ate. It is like solving a tiny nature mystery.

SPEAKER_03 8:01

We did that for a barn owl.

SPEAKER_00 8:03

Yeah, do you remember what you found?

SPEAKER_03 8:05

I found a rat school.

SPEAKER_00 8:07

Yeah. Well, I think it's time to meet one up close in our story of the day. Okay, listeners, let's travel to the scene of today's story. Imagine you're standing in the Australian bush just as the sun begins to sink below the horizon. The air is warm, carrying the fresh, minty smell of eucalyptus leaves. Tall gum trees sway high above your head, their peeling bark curling like ribbons around their trunks. Listen closely. You can hear the cheerful chatter of rainbow lorikees, bright colored birds, as they settle down for the night. A noisy mob of cockatoos squawks overhead before finding a place to sleep. And somewhere nearby, a sleepy koala stretches in the branches of a eucalyptus tree. As the golden light continues to fade, the daytime animals grow quiet, and the twilight animals begin to wake. Tiny sugar gliders peek from their tree hollows. A brushtail possum carefully climbs along a branch. Little insect eating bats flutter into the evening sky. And then wait a minute, hold on, did you all hear that? A dog? Out here in the Australian bush? Oh no, that isn't a dog at all. High above the forest floor, tucked inside the deep hollow of an old eucalyptus tree, two bright yellow eyes slowly blink open. This is Bram, the barking owl. And every evening, just as the sun slips below the treetops, Bran stretches his wings and glides silently into the cool evening air. He moves so silently that if you weren't looking up, you never even know he was there. Bram had lived in the old eucalyptus tree for as long as anyone could remember. The deep hollow in its trunk was warm and dry. It was just the right place to cozy up during the day for some shut eye. And he believed it was the most perfect tree for raising owlettes. But Bram wasn't the only one who called this old tree home. It was filled with hollows, and those hollows were filled with life. One quivered with tiny sugar gliders, little flying marsupials who snuggled up ten at a time to rest during the daytime. A family of brushtail possums spent their days dozing in another cozy nook. Tree frogs hid amongst the damp leaves after the rain. Even the colorful rainbow lorikeets stopped by every morning to chatter before flying off to find breakfast. The old tree wasn't just one home, it was a whole neighborhood. Every evening, Bram barked exactly two times to greet the coming night. The sugar gliders would smile.

SPEAKER_02 11:53

Oh Bram, good evening.

SPEAKER_00 11:56

The possums would stretch Right on time, Bram. The bats would take their cue to flutter into the sky. Night after night, Bram was the forest's alarm clock. It was the way it was meant to be. One morning, something changed. Bright red ribbon circled the trunk of the old eucalyptus tree. What is that? Whispered one of the sugar gliders. It wasn't there yesterday, said the possum. The Lorikeetes swooped lower for a better look. No one knew what it meant. Well no one, except Bram. Years ago, when he was just a young owl, he had seen trees marked with that very same ribbon. Soon after, people came with loud, very loud machines, clanking machines, buzzing machines, sharp looking machines. And then the trees were gone. They never came back. Only stumps remained. That evening, Bram didn't hunt right away. Instead, he quietly lifted from his hollow and glided through the fading light. He wasn't exactly sure what he was looking for, but he knew what he didn't want to see. His wings were so silent that no one looked up. And then he saw them. Machines, a clearing full of them, and humans, so many humans, carrying hard looking hats and placing them in a box. See you tomorrow, Steve, one yelled as he climbed into a giant red machine. Let's get those trees on the west side. Bram's heart sank. His fears were confirmed. The old tree was in danger. His home. Actually not just his home, everyone's. When Bram arrived back at the tree that morning, he could not sleep. Instead, he burrowed down and thought and thought. The tree was in trouble. That much was clear. But what could he do? When darkness fell, he took a deep breath in. The sugar gliders started to wake, but they were confused. Bram never let out four calls. Only two. Always two. Bram needs us shouted a sugar glider. All the sugar gliders crept along the bark to Bram's hole. They met Bram on a branch outside his hollow. One by one his neighbors wandered over. The sugar glider tilted her head.

SPEAKER_04 15:03

Bram, your evening bark was different.

SPEAKER_00 15:07

The possum climbed a little higher. Is something wrong? Everyone's wondering where their evening bark went. Bram took a slow breath.

SPEAKER_03 15:18

I saw something today.

SPEAKER_00 15:20

The forest grew still.

SPEAKER_03 15:23

A red ribbon around our tree.

SPEAKER_00 15:26

The possum nodded. We saw it too. It's strange. Bram shook his head.

SPEAKER_03 15:33

It's more than strange. I've seen that ribbon before.

SPEAKER_00 15:38

The sugar glider's tiny ears twitched.

SPEAKER_03 15:41

What does it mean?

SPEAKER_00 15:43

Bram looked up through the branches of the old eucalyptus tree.

SPEAKER_03 15:48

It means people are coming. And when they leave.

SPEAKER_00 15:54

He paused. The tree is gone. But no one spoke. The sugar glider looked toward her tiny hollow. The possum glanced at his cozy nook. Even the usually chatty Lorekee didn't know what to say. Finally, the sugar glider whispered.

SPEAKER_03 16:16

But this is our home.

SPEAKER_00 16:18

Bram nodded.

SPEAKER_03 16:19

And if this tree goes, all our homes go with it.

SPEAKER_00 16:25

The sugar glider puffed out her chest.

SPEAKER_02 16:28

I know what we'll do. We'll build a giant pile of sticks around the tree.

SPEAKER_03 16:33

They'll never get through.

SPEAKER_00 16:35

Bram smiled kindly.

SPEAKER_03 16:38

I'm afraid their machines are much bigger than a pile of sticks.

SPEAKER_00 16:43

A rainbow Lorikeet spoke up, flapping her bright green wings. Then we'll fly all around their heads, squawking as loud as we can. She was so loud that the sugar glider covered her tiny ears. Bram gave a little chuckle.

SPEAKER_03 17:01

It might surprise them, but I don't think it would stop them.

SPEAKER_00 17:06

The sugar glider looked down at the red ribbon wrapped around the trunk.

SPEAKER_03 17:10

What if I chew it off? If the ribbon is gone, they'll forget they're doing work on our treat.

SPEAKER_00 17:16

Bram shook his head.

SPEAKER_03 17:17

The ribbon is not the problem. The people know where our tree is.

SPEAKER_00 17:23

Once again, everyone fell quiet. An evening breeze rustled the eucalyptus leaves. The little sugar glider stared at their old tree. She looked at Bram's hollow, and then her eyes grew wide.

SPEAKER_04 17:40

I don't think the people know.

SPEAKER_00 17:46

She pointed all around at the great old eucalyptus.

SPEAKER_04 17:50

That this isn't just a tree. It's our neighborhood. The possum looked around.

SPEAKER_00 17:56

Our whole neighborhood. She gazed at the other animals. So maybe they just need help seeing it. The next morning, before the people arrived, every animal had a job to do. The rainbow lore keats would be first. As soon as the sun peaked over the treetops, they would fill the old eucalyptus with flashes of bright green, blue, yellow, and red. The possums would wait until the last minute before scampering back to the hollow. The sugar gliders would peek out from their tiny doorways. The tree frogs would cling to the trunks, easily seen. And Bram? Bram would wait. He was the big finale. And soon enough the people returned. Machines rolled into the clearing and came to a stop. One of the workers stepped toward the old eucalyptus tree. He called over his shoulder. This one is dead. Let's take her down. But just then, a rainbow lorikeep burst from its branches in a flash of green, blue, and red. The worker smiled. He was too stunned to move for a moment. He simply watched. But before anyone could say another word, a tiny face peeked out from a little hollow. A sugar glider.

SPEAKER_01 19:18

Did you see that? It's a sugar glider. I've never seen one in the wild before. The worker pointed higher.

SPEAKER_00 19:26

Hold on, there's a possum up there too. And then, as everyone watched, Bram quietly stepped to the edge of his hollow. He spread his wide, wide wings, and without the slightest sound, he glided over their heads. Slow, magnificent. No one moved. No one even spoke. Until finally the worker whispered A barking owl. I've only ever heard them. He slowly looked back at the old eucalyptus.

SPEAKER_01 20:07

This tree isn't dying. It's alive. He smiled. It's not just one tree.

SPEAKER_00 20:15

It's a whole neighborhood. The worker looked back at his clipboard and made a note. Then he reached for the bright red ribbon and quickly ripped it down. The ribbon fluttered to the ground. And for a moment no one moved. Not the sugar glider, the possums, not even Bram. They just held their breath and watched. The worker smiled.

SPEAKER_01 20:42

Let's find another tree.

SPEAKER_00 20:44

The machines rumbled to life once more, but this time they rolled away from the old eucalyptus. The sound grew quieter and quieter until it was only the whisper of the wind heard through the trees. The sugar glider peeked out first. Are they gone? The possum looked down the empty trail. I think they are. And Bram glided back to his favorite branch. He looked at the old eucalyptus. Every hollow still there, every branch. The neighborhood was safe. And that evening, as the sun slipped below the treetops, the sugar gliders giggled. He's back. The possums stretched. Right on time. The bats filled the evening sky. And once again, the old eucalyptus tree wasn't just a tree, it was a neighborhood. And it was time to wake up.

SPEAKER_02 21:55

As always, our story today is grounded in.

SPEAKER_03 22:00

Real animal science. Remember how Bram spent his days in a tree hollow? That plot is absolutely true.

SPEAKER_00 22:10

Unlike many birds, barking owls don't build nests out of sticks. Instead, they raise their babies inside tree hollows, natural holes that form in very old trees. Many tree hollows take over a hundred years to form. And Bram wasn't the only one living there either. Old tree hollows are like apartment buildings for wildlife. Sugar gliders, possums, parrots, bats, reptiles, frogs, bees, insects, they can all use the same tree for shelter or to raise their young. That means that when one old hollow tree disappears, it isn't just one animal that loses its home. An entire little neighborhood could disappear. And sadly, that brings us to one more true part of our story. Barking owls really are under threat in many parts of Australia because people have cleared forests and removed old trees. And even when those new trees are planted, it can take more than a century before they're old enough to grow the hollows that barking owls need. So every time we protect old forests, we're protecting homes for barking owls.

SPEAKER_02 23:23

And lots of other cool animals too.

SPEAKER_00 23:26

Now it's time for your wild and kind.

SPEAKER_03 23:32

Be a tree hollow hero.

SPEAKER_00 23:34

Yes. Even if you don't live in Australia, tree hollows occur in forests all around the world. And this week, if you find one, remember this. It might be someone's home. They are great places to observe, but you should always watch quietly from a distance. Instead of poking sticks inside or reaching your hand in, simply wait, watch, and stay quiet. And who knows? You might spot a bird, a lizard, an insect, or some other wild neighbor coming and going.

SPEAKER_03 24:08

Sometimes the kindest way to protect an animal's home is to leave it alone.

SPEAKER_02 24:15

Before we go, it's time for wild and kind trivia.

SPEAKER_00 24:20

Last week, we shared a riddle about the spirit bear. Which I have to say, we thought would be pretty tricky. Did your family get it? Are you ready for another riddle about an animal we haven't covered yet? Here we go, y'all.

SPEAKER_03 24:37

I don't catch fish with claws or teeth. I scoop them up from underneath. My stretchy beak is like a net.

SPEAKER_02 24:46

What animal am I for Wild and Kind, Timmy?

SPEAKER_00 24:51

Debate it with your family and tune in next time to hear the answer.

SPEAKER_03 24:55

See you then, Wild and Kind Kids.

SPEAKER_00 24:59

This podcast is produced by John, also known as Lincoln and Eliza's dad. If you're enjoying these adventures, please subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. Leave us a review and tell your friends. To find a coloring sheet for today's creature, explore more episodes, or request an animal for a future story, visit wildandkindkids.com. You can also find us on Instagram at Wild and Kind Kids Pod. Thanks for exploring with us, friends. Until next time.

SPEAKER_03 25:37

Keep your hearts kind and your curiosity wild!